Single action audio prompt interface utilising binary state time domain multiple selection protocol

ABSTRACT

An interface protocol for the functional manipulation of complex devices such as consumer electronic devices without the necessity of the visual feedback via textual or graphic data, wherein the sensor functions change with time rather than placement, so that a user action biases a binary state switch, which is correlated to a timed audible audio data stream, the correlation indicating the desired action selected by the user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/957,702filed Oct. 5, 2004 now abandoned which is a Divisional of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/246,715 filed Sep. 19, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No.6,804,539 which is a Continuation-in-Part from U.S. application Ser. No.09/686,854 filed Oct. 12, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,771,982, which claimspriority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/160,637 filedOct. 20, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a user interface. The user interface guidesthe user through option menus and the selection process.

BACKGROUND

The present invention addresses problems presented by conventional userinterfaces, for example in consumer electronic products. It relates to aprocess and the configuration of apparatus that can accurately andautomatically interpret the user's desired selection without therequirement that the user be able to read. One aspect of the interfaceof the present invention resides in its ease of use, especially forchildren, for illiterate people and people less technically able. Thedevice can be embedded inside almost any product, for example, withoutintending to be limiting, telecommunication devices such as cell phonesembedded in a product, without affecting the external aesthetics of theproduct.

Applicant is aware of prior art within the field of user interfaces forconsumer electronic products, for example interfaces employing voicerecognition, graphic touch panels, and intelligent keypads. Such priorart user interfaces for consumer electronic products consist of a broadrange of technology mixes. The current trend is to use a more organicstyle of interface such as voice recognition or graphical interfacesrather than arrays of mechanical buttons. Some devices attempt to guessa user's most probable decisions, making navigating complex decisiontrees more tolerable. The present invention is derived out of necessityfor an easy-to-use interface that, for example, may be embedded inelectronic equipment so for example to operate without a keypad ordisplay.

One object of this invention is to provide an alternative method ofoperating equipment for example such as cellular or wireless telephonesor other devices such as equipment which may be operated using binaryinput devices including but not limited to push buttons, switches,digital signals, microphones, motion sensors, light detectors, rotaryencoders, voice recognition processors, or processes, wherein audioprompts guide the user through options, and the user responds with atimely action to accept or reject the specific option presented during acorresponding time window.

SUMMARY

In the present invention, the user of a device is presented with anaction, an option or a series of options via audio messages. The userindicates acceptance or rejection of an option with a timely action, forexample such as pressing a button disguised within a product such as aplush doll. The timely action must occur during the time window in whichthe audio message implicitly or explicitly indicates the intention toaccept or reject an option. Otherwise, the interface indicates thedefault selection to the device. For example, a default selection may beto cycle a number of times through a menu, for example three times, andfailing getting a response backup one level in a decision tree and againcycle through the menu at that level a number of times, and failinggetting a response backup yet a further level, and so on until theinterface or device is left in a standby mode. The interface is thuswell adapted for use by a child, or for example by a visually impairedperson, or even merely for use by people who are driving automobiles andshould not be taking their eyes from the road ahead, because theinterface does not require an action by the user as no action is treatedas a selection choice thus differentiating from prior art for examplewhich presents a three position tree to a handicapped person thusrequiring an action from the person.

The invention is thus, in one aspect, a process of navigating menus orselecting actions or options. The process may utilize a sensor systemconfigured to behave as a binary state switch along with an audiopresentation and feedback system. These two elements are synchronized topermit correlation analysis of signals, which yields information orsignals that indicate the user's selected option or desired action.

The novelty lies, at least in part, in the ability of a device, such asa binary push button, to select one of multiple options by indicatingthe option as desired or undesired as they are presented through timevia speech. Acceptance or rejection is indicated by the presence of oneor the other of the two possible binary states during the correspondingtime window.

The selection time window can be within the time domain of spoken wordsor sounds of the prompt, which may include quiet time and may alsoinclude, or consist only of, other audible queues or music.

This interface protocol permits functional manipulation of complexdevices, such as personal telecommunication devices, consumer andcommercial electronic devices and appliances, motion sensor, lightdetector, rotary encoder, voice recognition processor, without thenecessity of the visual feedback via textual or graphic data. Since thesensor functions change with time rather than placement, both visual andtactile demands placed upon the user are dramatically reduced, offeringan advantage over the complex array of graphic symbols and the symbolicplacement of buttons found on multifunction keypads. In the presentinvention an action is converted to an electrical impulse, which iscorrelated to a precisely timed audible audio data stream. Thecorrelated data indicates the desired action or option selected by theuser. This allows a device such as those listed above to be embedded ina product without altering the external aesthetics of the product. Insome cases, the ability to be hidden within the product will be anessential component of the invention's application.

In a further aspect, the present invention is a communication protocolthat defines the parameters of actions, data transfer, acknowledgmentand response for the purpose of a user interface, for example in aconsumer electronic device. The user/operator listens to a stream ofaudio messages that indicate available options. The user selects anaction, an option or an optional path through a menu tree by eitherdoing nothing, or by biasing, for example such as toggling or otherwisereversing the state of a binary state device, so as to select thealternative choice, action or path available at that moment. When theuser makes no selection, it indicates acceptance of a default choice,direction or action such as backing up a level in a decision or menutree.

In one embodiment, the audio stream may present an ongoing list duringwhich the user intervenes to select the desired option. The defaultaction in this embodiment may then be to merely present the next item inthe list.

The present invention may be described as a time domain multipleselection protocol in which for example, and without intending to belimiting, a binary state indicates a selection by inversion of thebinary state during the defined time window for the desired selectionutilizing mechanical, electromechanical and electronic circuitry. Thepresent invention requires the presence of three key elements, an inputmechanism, an audible output system and a method for keeping track ofthe state of the input device as the messages are being presented. Theuser interface is a timing based multiple selection protocol consistingof mechanical, electromechanical and electronic circuitry for a novelmethod of making and selection from a menu or list of items.

Thus, in summary, the present invention consists of a time domain,multiple selection protocol in which a selection of an option is madeduring the defined time window for the desired action or option. Theaction or option is presented in an audible audio information streamthat is precisely timed or synchronized with the monitoring of sensorsto allow electronic signals to indicate and be processed in such amanner as to yield information regarding the user's choice.

The audio stream presents a series of actions or options from which theuser may select an option via any input device, such as a push buttonswitch. The device may also operate with for example a limited binarystate voice recognition interface, motion sensors, light sensors, etc. Apreset default option is assumed unless indicated by the user causing aninput during the time domain of presentation of information pertainingto the desired option. Presented information is any audio informationthat could be used to indicate the nature of an option and its selectiontime frame.

The configuration of electronic components, circuitry, mechanical orelectromechanical sensors and/or computer software/firmware forproviding information to the user and the host system regarding theuser-desired action or option uses such physical resources and timestamping to determine the user's activity and report information via anelectronic or mechanical signal that a processor can process as aspecific action or intent.

A device incorporating the present invention may operate while embeddedin another product, for example a consumer electronics product, withoutaltering the external aesthetics of the product, and without visuallydisclosing the embedded functionality.

Put another way, the present invention may be summarized as an audioprompted interface device using a time domain multiple selectionprotocol wherein the device includes:

-   -   (a) a device housing,    -   (b) a processor and cooperating memory and a power supply        mounted in the housing,    -   (c) an audio broadcaster mounted in the housing and cooperating        with the processor for audibly broadcasting outside of the        housing a sequenced series of audible prompts supplied by the        processor to the audio broadcaster,    -   (d) an input device or sensor mounted in the housing for        receiving input from a user, in one embodiment the input for        binary biasing of an input switch between opposite binary states        in response to a single prompt of the series of audible prompts,    -   (e) a timer cooperating with the processor, the processor        correlating the response to the single prompt with a        corresponding single time domain within a sequential series of        time domains timed by the timer, and    -   (f) the processor correlating the single time domain with the        single prompt and executing a single action corresponding to the        single prompt according to an instruction set in the memory,        wherein, if for example the single action is a telecommunication        action, the processor executing the single action in further        cooperation with a telecommunication transceiver mounted in the        housing.

The device housing may be a flexible surface and the input receivermounted beneath the flexible surface. The device housing may have anaudio transmitting surface and the broadcaster may be mounted beneaththe audio transmitting surface.

In one aspect of the present invention, the product or device may be aplush toy, which may have at least one appendage. Such an appendage maybe pivotally mounted to a body of the plush toy. The appendage maycooperate with a processor so that a first position of the appendagerelative to the body switches the processor into a stand-by mode, and asecond position of the appendage relative to the body switches theprocessor into an active mode so as to trigger the series of prompts.Advantageously the appendage is an opposed pair of elongate appendagessuch as arms, legs or the like. The pair of appendages may pivotrelative to the body between a resiliently clamped, closed positionwherein the appendages are adjacent, and a spread position wherein thepair of appendages are spaced apart. The first position may be theclosed position and the second position may be the spread position.

In one embodiment, the first and second positions lie substantially in afirst plane. In a third position the pair of appendages are elevated outof the first plane. In the second position the audio broadcaster audiblytransmits at a first audible volume and in the third position the audiobroadcaster audibly transmits at a second audible volume, wherein thefirst audible volume may be greater than the second audible volume. Inthe third position the ends of the arms, which may be shaped as hands,cup a mouth of the plush toy. In this embodiment the audio broadcastermay be mounted behind the mouth of the plush toy. When the ends of thearms are hands in the first position the hands are together in front ofthe plush toy, and in the second position the hands are widely spreadapart.

In a further aspect of the present invention the input switch may be apush-button switch, and the series of audible prompts may be prompts ina multi-level menu tree. The input switch may also be a microphone inconjunction with software to detect any audible response versus noaudible response, the audible response biasing, for example a binaryswitch to its opposite binary state. The series of audible prompts maycomprise a sequentially audibly broadcast list of names from a list ofnames in the memory, wherein the single prompt is a single name from thelist and the single action corresponding to the single name is to dial atelephone number, from a corresponding list of telephone numbers,corresponding to the single name. Advantageously the list of names maybe statistically ordered based on frequency and time of calling by theuser so as to present first numbers most likely to be called. In onepreferred embodiment, the input button switch may be biased a pluralityof times in rapid succession and the action corresponding to the singleaction is different depending on the number of times the input switch isbiased in rapid succession. In another preferred embodiment the speed ofaudible presentation of the prompts may be increased by compressing theaudio data in the prompts, and in such a case the prompts may be sped-upin an adaptive feedback loop so as to increase the presentation speeduntil user mistakes meet a threshold cut-off level.

The method of the-present invention may comprise the steps of:

-   -   (a) audibly broadcasting outside of the housing from the        broadcaster a sequenced series of audible prompts supplied by        the processor to the audio broadcaster,    -   (b) receiving input to the input receiver from a user, the input        for example toggling a binary state input receiver in response        to a single prompt of the series of audible prompts,    -   (c) timing, by the timer, a sequential series of time domains,    -   (d) correlating, by the processor, the response to the single        prompt with a corresponding single time domain within the        sequential series of time domains,    -   (e) correlating, by the processor, the single time domain with        the single prompt, and    -   (f) executing a single action corresponding to the single prompt        according to an instruction set in the memory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention are illustrated, merely by way ofexample, in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a signal timing diagram.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the components of one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sequence of events diagram.

FIG. 4 is, in side elevation view, a companion telecommunicator of thepresent invention clipped onto a child's clothing.

FIG. 5 is, in perspective view, a user squeezing, so as to operate, thecompanion communicator of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is, in front elevation view, the companion communicator of FIG. 5in stand-by mode.

FIG. 7 is, in front elevation view, the companion communicator of FIG. 6in whisper mode.

FIG. 8 is, in front elevation view, the companion communicator of FIG. 7in broadcast mode.

FIG. 9 is, in perspective view, the processor housing and endoskeletonof the companion telecommunicator of FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is the housing and endoskeleton of FIG. 9 with the arm structurein speak mode.

FIG. 11 is the housing and endoskeleton of FIG. 10 with the armstructure elevated into the whisper mode.

FIG. 12 is, in plan view, the housing and endoskeleton of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is, in side elevation partially cut-away view, the housing andendoskeleton of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 a is an enlarged cut-away view taken from FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 b is an enlarged cut-away view taken from FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 c is an enlarged cut-away view taken from FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged cut-away view of the pivotal arm strut mountingof FIG. 14 c.

FIG. 16 is, in partially cut-away perspective view, an alternativeembodiment of the processor housing with the housing and endoskeletonpartially cut-away.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

What follows is an example of one embodiment according to the presentinvention which is not intended to be limiting. Thus, with reference tothe timing diagram of FIG. 1, the upper line describes an audio signal,that is, a plot of signal intensity over time. As a message is spoken orotherwise audibly broadcast to a user by a telecommunication deviceemploying the interface of the present invention, the audible signallevel increases as diagrammatically illustrated in the “audible signal”line and time transpires. The middle and lower lines indicates two ofthe three possible selections, so that in the case where the userdesires to “phone mom”, the user's timely input (for example bysqueezing a flexible toy so as to toggle a push-button switch) wouldcause a waveform having a pulse within the “phone mom” selection timewindow. Thus, waveform “a” would result in a selection to phone mom. Thepulse 10 indicating a state change could have occurred any time betweentime lines 12 and 14. The pulse 16 in waveform “b” is well outside thephone mom selection window and would make a different selection, in thiscase to “phone home”. This is a simple example of the user interface ofthe present invention.

Users of this interface are not required to look at thetelecommunication device during operation, eliminating the need fordisplays and the interpretation of visual symbols on buttons or graphicson the displays, and also eliminating components such as the keypadspopular in the wireless telephone industry today. Also, the user'sfinger, or other selector, can maintain close proximity while making aselection, which makes the device easier, and in some conditions safer,to use. The input from the user may be a physical toggling of a binaryswitch, or it may be non-contact biasing of a binary state switch by,for example, the use of motion or light detectors, or by audible soundsensors, voice recognition etc.

The interface of the present invention is a departure from currentinterface design in its operational style, its elegance and simplicity.However, it does have its drawbacks. It tends to be slow compared tonormal operation of a conventional keypad and is best suited to tasksthat do not require the user to remember past actions. For example,entering long strings of numbers can be taxing for the user.

A physical embodiment of the present invention may have three elements,namely:

-   -   (a) means, such as a processor (including associated memory), a        microphone and a power supply, of generating and broadcasting a        meaningful and audible audio stream which includes a sequential        menu-tree series of prompts to direct the user's        decision-making;    -   (b) a sensor that senses and transmits or applies a signal to        the processor indicating a user input timed to denote the user's        desired option; and,    -   (c) a timing and correlating processor (which may be the same        processor as in (a) above) that correlates in time audio        presentation of the audio stream and user input signals.

Further processing features enhance operation of the interface of thepresent invention, namely:

-   -   (a) statistical ordering; that is, the processing of numbers        such that the numbers that are most pertinent to the user are        determined by statistical analysis based upon both call time and        frequency;    -   (b) audio compression; that is, the process of compressing        sounds so as to increase the speed of presentation of audible        prompts (for example a sequential counting of numbers) in the        time domain while maintaining essential message intelligence for        the purpose of presenting more information in a given instant.        This is desirable for use in a voice prompt based user interface        for example in a personal communications device and may be        accomplished by, for example, removing 40 percent of the        digitized audio data without causing a sound frequency shift;    -   (c) adaptive feedback; that is, monitoring activities that are        subliminal to the user but detectable to the system to control        the nature of the user interface with the intention of making        the user interface more effective for the user. The activities        of most interest in are those that affect the speed of        presenting or processing of information that is fast enough to        keep interest and slow enough to be usable in a reliable manner.        By using audio compression, as the user leaves, the speed of        presentation of the prompts is increased until the processor        detects an increase in user mistakes above a preset threshold;        and,    -   (d) pre-ring messaging so that an identifying name of a caller        is audibly announced to the user (for example: “it's mom”).

What follows is a detailed description of implementation of oneembodiment of the interface of the present invention in the operation ofa telecommunication device embedded in a plush toy. The plush toy isreferred to herein as a “companion telecornmunicator” such as it wouldbe perceived by a child if the companion telecommunicator was a favoriteplush doll. The programmed menu structure and logic flow that a userfollows during operation of the companion telecommunicator are set outbelow. Appendix A hereto provides further detail, short of the actualcode, of the sequence scripts for each step in the menu structure.Detailed actual coding is not provided as one skilled in the art wouldknow how to program and implement the interface of the present inventiongiven the level of detail disclosed.

To the user, such as a child, the companion telecommunicator appears totalk naturally, prompting the user with options. By simply squeezing thecompanion telecommunicator, the user places a call, makes emergencycontact, records reminders and saves phone numbers. Call listsmaintained by the companion telecommunicator processor are updated andsorted automatically, chronologically or according to popularity, withmost recent or most frequently called numbers at the beginning. Thecompanion telecommunicator tells the user that someone is calling byannouncing the caller's name, or with a customized greeting, or with astandard telephone ring, a melody or by vibrating.

As seen in FIG. 4, companion telecommunicator 100 attaches to theclothes of a user 102 or for example to a user's backpack (not shown)for transport by the resilient clamping together of the hands 106. Thecompanion telecommunicator may also have loops (not shown) that willattach to key rings or clips for easy transport.

After long periods of inactivity, companion telecommunicator 100 will godormant. Companion telecommunicator 100 is woken up by squeezing itstummy 104 as seen in FIG. 5 gently for three seconds. Companiontelecommunicator 100 greets user 102 then audibly broadcasts that it isin stand-by, speaking or whisper mode. Companion telecommunicator 100may be intentionally made dormant or “put to sleep” by gently squeezingtummy 104 for three seconds. Companion telecommunicator 100 counts down“three”, “two”, “one” then says “good-bye”. Squeezing for three secondswill not however put the companion telecommunicator to sleep during aconversation or while announcing a call.

When companion telecommunicator 100 is in stand-by mode, it is ready toreceive calls. User 102 can ensure that companion telecommunicator 100is awake by giving it a gentle shake. If it giggles, it's awake. Thecompanion telecommunicator's hands 106 are positioned as if clapping toput it in stand-by mode, as seen in FIG. 6. Thus companiontelecommunicator 100 can hold on to user 102 while in stand-by mode asseen in FIG. 4.

Whisper mode is for private conversations. In whisper mode, the audiblevolume is lowered so that user 102 may hold the microphone 108 aembedded in, for example, the mouth 108 of companion telecommunicator100 near to the user's ear. Companion telecommunicator 100 is put intowhisper mode by lifting arms 110 out of plane A so that it looks likecompanion telecommunicator 100 is whispering as seen in FIGS. 5 and 7.Mouth 108 of companion telecommunicator 100 is brought to the user's earso that the user can listen for directions.

Speaking Mode allows the companion telecommunicator to speak loudly sothat the audible directions can be heard by a group of people. Companiontelecommunicator 100 is placed into speaking mode by opening the arms110 as seen in FIG. 8. In speaking mode the arms have been rotated inplane A from the clapping position to the spread apart position.

To use companion telecommunicator 100, all user 102 has to do is holdthe companion telecommunicator, listen and squeeze tummy 104 thisdepresses an internal push-button switch 112 mounted in rigid processorhousing 114 seen in FIGS. 9-14. When the companion telecommunicatorspeaks via microphone 108 a, the user squeezes tummy 104 so as todepress switch 112 to tell the companion telecommunicator what the userwants. When the companion telecommunicator is in whisper or speakingmode, it talks to the user. To make a selection, the user squeezes thecompanion telecommunicator while it's talking, or during the momentbefore the next selection.

The companion telecommunicator uses a 3.6 volt lithium ion battery (notshown). If the battery is getting low the companion telecommunicatorwill periodically say “low battery”. This alarm will increase infrequency as the battery power gets lower.

Companion telecommunicator 100 uses a mechanical endoskeleton mountedwithin the arms and body of the telecommunicator so as to transmit thearm position information to the processor (not shown) housed withinprocessor housing 114. A shoulder or shelf 116 is mounted onto orotherwise formed on the upper end of housing 114. As better seen in FIG.13, shoulder 116 has an upper planar surface 116 a on which arepivotally mounted a pair of arm struts 118. Planar surface 116 a isparallel to plane A in which arm struts 118 rotate on stub shafts 120.Rotation of stub shafts 120 about axes of rotation B transmits the armposition information via a position sensor (not shown) to the processorwithin housing 114. Leaf spring 122 rigidly mounted between stub shafts120 resiliently biases arm struts 118 into either the closed position ofFIGS. 9 and 12 wherein hand paddles 124 mounted on the distal ends ofarm struts 118 are resiliently clamped together or the speaking modeopen position of FIG. 10 wherein arm struts 118 are rotated in directionC into their fully spread apart position.

As better seen in FIGS. 14 a-14 c and FIG. 15, arm struts 118 arethemselves pivotally mounted to stub shafts 120 for rotation relative tostub shafts 120 about axes of rotation D on stub axles 126. Rotating armstruts 118 about axes D allows movement of the arms out of plane A so asto put the arms into the whisper mode position of FIG. 11.

Rotation of arm struts 118 about axes D rotates bevel gears 118 a on armstruts 118 in meshing engagement with crown gear 120 a on stub shafts120. Thus, irrespective of the rotational position of stub shafts 120,elevating and lowering arm struts 118 rotates crown gears 120 a therebysignaling to the processor the vertical position information of armstruts 118. Stub shaft 120 is mounted by means of pin 126 shown explodedradially outwardly in FIG. 15. Thus contrasting FIGS. 14 b and 14 c,although between the two figures the rotational position of stub shaft120 has not changed, the arm strut 118 has been elevated in FIG. 14 cthereby rotating crown gear 120 a relative to stub shaft 120.

An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 16 in which, aslabeled, all of the various components are built into the processorhousing with the exception of a remote speaker and microphone for whichonly the respective connectors are illustrated.

The housing 114 is enlarged so as to enclose shoulder 116, the gear endsof arm struts 118, the gears, etc. Consistent with all embodiments ofhousing 114, the circuit boards 130 containing the processors, the powersupply, and the audio amplifier are all contained within the egg-shapedhousing, tilted for example as illustrated so as to optimize use of theinterior space of the housing. Arm struts rotate relative to the housingin cut-out channels 128.

The audible menu for the companion telecommunicator works like a menutree. Every choice made by the user leads to more choices until thefunction that the user wants is presented. Some prompts appear in morethan one menu.

When the companion telecommunicator asks “what would you like to do?”the user has several choices. Each choice performs a specific functionor presents more options. The choices are presented in the followingorder: “Present Lists”, “Enter A Number”, “Play Sound Clips”, “RecordSound Clip”, “Provide Status Information”, and “Set Preferences”. Thechoices are audibly repeated by the companion telecommunicatorsequentially several times. If the user does not make a choice, thecompanion telecommunicator returns to stand-by mode.

The “Present Lists” choice lists stored phone numbers to call. Thestored telephone numbers are sorted for presentation depending on thetype of list selected. The choices are “Personal Call List”, “EmergencyCall List”, “Incoming History List” and “Outgoing History List”. ThePersonal Call List is automatically updated, according to frequency ofuse. The Emergency Call List presents the most important numbers first.The Incoming History List is updated according to the last number thatcalled the companion telecommunicator. The Outgoing History List sortsthe user's calls, starting with the most recent number.

The “Enter a Number” choice guides the user through telephone numberentry and lets the user add the number to the phone list.

The “Sound Clip” choice lets the user record, play back or delete soundclips. Sound clips may be recorded during conversations, as reminders ortransferred from the network or the user's home computer.

The “Provide Status Information” choice announces the user's phonenumber and the time and date, then tells the user if there are messageswaiting, and reports battery level, signal strength, roaming status,available memory, and the like.

The “Set Preferences” choice customizes the way the companiontelecommunicator responds and presents information.

The user can cancel any choice and return to the previous menu at anytime by squeezing the companion telecommunicator three times.

Any time the user needs assistance on a particular menu item, the usersqueezes the companion telecommunicator's hand 106 when the user is inthat part of the menu. A sensor in the hand triggers the processorprovide context sensitive audible help prompts.

To answer a call in Whisper Mode, the user lifts the companiontelecommunicator's hands 106 to mouth 108, then places companiontelecommunicator 100 near the user's ear. To answer a call in SpeakingMode, user 102 opens the companion telecommunicator's arms 110. Thevolume is automatically increased so as to be loud enough for a group ofpeople to hear the conversation.

To terminate a call, user 102 places the companion telecommunicator instand-by mode by closing arms 110.

For the user to place a call using Enter A Number menu:

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. When the companion telecommunicator says “enter number”, the        user squeezes once.    -   3. The companion telecommunicator will count from zero to nine        and say “place call”.    -   4. The user squeezes the companion telecommunicator when the        user hears the right digit.    -   5. The user repeats Step 4 for each digit in the number the user        wishes to call.    -   6. If the user makes a mistake, the user squeezes the companion        telecommunicator twice. When the companion telecommunicator says        “erase last digit entered”, the user squeezes once.    -   7. To review the digits entered, the user squeezes the companion        telecommunicator twice. When the companion telecommunicator says        “review digits entered”, the user squeezes once.    -   8. When the user has entered all the digits in the number the        user wants to call, the user squeezes and holds the companion        telecommunicator—or squeezes the companion telecommunicator when        its says “place call”. The companion telecommunicator will tell        the user the number the user is calling.    -   9. To terminate the call, the user places the companion        telecommunicator in stand-by mode.        The companion telecommunicator remembers the last number the        user called and will call that number again if the user selects        Place Call before entering a digit.

To place a call from the Personal Call List which allows the user toplace a call and modify telephone numbers, wherein the order of thislist is updated automatically, with the most frequently used numbers atthe top:

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes once when the user hears “Present Lists”.    -   3. The user squeezes again when the user hears “Personal Call        List”.    -   4. The user squeezes again when the user hears the name the user        wants to call.    -   5. The companion telecommunicator will repeat the number the        user is calling.    -   6. To terminate the call, the user places the companion        telecommunicator in Stand-by Mode.

To call the user's favorite number:

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes and holds while the companion        telecommunicator asks: “What would you Like To Do?”    -   3. The companion telecommunicator will place the call.    -   4. To terminate the call, the user places the companion        telecommunicator in stand-by mode.

For the user to place a call from the Emergency Call List, i.e., to calla stored Emergency Services number, (the first number in this list beingthe user's Quick Access Emergency Number:

-   -   1. The user places the user's companion telecommunicator in        Whisper or Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes once when the user hears “Present Lists”.    -   3. The user squeezes again when the user hears “Emergency Call        List”.    -   4. The user squeezes again when the user hears the name the user        wants to call.    -   5. The companion telecommunicator will repeat the number the        user is calling.    -   6. To terminate the call, the user places the companion        telecommunicator in Stand-by Mode.

For the user to place a Quick Access Emergency Call:

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes once when the user hears: “Present Lists”.    -   3. The user squeezes again when the user hears: “Emergency Call        List”.    -   4. The user squeezes and holds while the companion        telecommunicator lists names.    -   5. The companion telecommunicator will call the user's Quick        Access Emergency Number.

For a short-cut to the user's Quick Access Emergency Number, the userstarts with the companion telecommunicator's arms in the Stand-byposition. The user squeezes the companion telecommunicator and raisesthe arms to Whisper or Speaking Mode. The companion telecommunicatorwill say: “Squeeze to place emergency call”. The user squeezes to makethe call. If the user doesn't squeeze within a few seconds, thecompanion telecommunicator will cancel the request.

For the user to place a call using the Incoming History List (which letsthe user call one of the last 10 callers):

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes once when the companion telecommunicator        says: “Present Lists”.    -   3. When the companion telecommunicator says: “Incoming History        List”, the user squeezes again.    -   4. The companion telecommunicator will list the last 10 calls        for the user, starting with the most recent. The companion        telecommunicator reports the telephone number, the date and time        and whether or not the user answered the call. Sometimes calls        will come from unknown sources, and the telephone number will        not be available.    -   5. When the user hears the number the user wants to call, the        user squeezes the companion telecommunicator once.    -   6. The companion telecommunicator will repeat the number the        user is calling.    -   7. To terminate the call, the user places the companion        telecommunicator in Stand-by Mode.

For the user to place a call using the Outgoing History List (which letsthe user call one of the last 10 numbers called):

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes once when the companion telecommunicator        says: “Present Lists”.    -   3. When the companion telecommunicator says: “Outgoing History        List”, the user squeezes again.    -   4. The companion telecommunicator will list the last 10 numbers        called, starting with the most recent.    -   5. When the user hears the number the user wants to call, the        user squeezes again.    -   6. The companion telecommunicator will tell the user the number        the user is calling.    -   7. To terminate the call, the user places the companion        telecommunicator in Stand-by Mode.

For the user to store a number in the user's Personal Call List:

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes when the companion telecommunicator says:        “Enter Number”.    -   3. The companion telecommunicator will count from zero to nine        and say: “Place Call”.    -   4. The user squeezes the companion telecommunicator when the        user hears the right digit.    -   5. The user repeats Step 4 for each digit in the number the user        wants to call.    -   6. If the user makes a mistake, the user squeezes twice. When        the companion telecommunicator says: “Erase Last Digit Entered”,        the user squeezes again.    -   7. To review the digits entered, the user squeezes the companion        telecommunicator twice. When the user hears: “Review Digits        Entered”, the user squeezes again.    -   8. Once the user has entered all the digits in the number the        user wants to call, the user squeezes twice, and when the        companion telecommunicator says: “Store Number”, the user        squeezes again.    -   9. The companion telecommunicator will ask the user where the        user wants to store the number: Personal Call List, Favorite        Number or Emergency Call List.    -   10. The user squeezes when the user hears the right selection.    -   11. The companion telecommunicator will repeat the number.    -   12. To record a name for the number, the user follows the        instructions to Squeeze and hold while recording, and the user        speaks to the companion telecommunicator.    -   13. The companion telecommunicator will play back the name the        user recorded.    -   14. The companion telecommunicator will say: “Squeeze to keep        this sound clip”.    -   15. The user squeezes to save this name and number.

For the User to Store the user's Favorite Number:

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes when the companion telecommunicator says:        “Enter Number”.    -   3. The companion telecommunicator will count from zero to nine        and say: “Place Call”.    -   4. The user squeezes the companion telecommunicator when the        user hears the right digit.    -   5. The user repeats Step 4 for each digit in the number the user        wants to call.    -   6. If the user makes a mistake, the user squeezes twice. When        the companion telecommunicator says: “Erase Last Digit Entered”,        the user squeezes again.    -   7. To review the digits entered, the user squeezes the companion        telecommunicator twice. When the user hears: “Review Digits        Entered”, the user squeezes again.    -   8. Once the user has entered all the digits in the number the        user wants to call, the user squeezes twice, and when the        companion telecommunicator says: “Store Number”, the user        squeezes again.    -   9. The companion telecommunicator will ask where the user wants        to store the number: Personal Call List Favorite Number or        Emergency Call List.    -   10. The user squeezes when the user hears the right selection.    -   11. The companion telecommunicator will repeat the number.    -   12. To record a name for the number, the user follows the        instructions to Squeeze and hold while recording, and the user        speaks to the companion telecommunicator.    -   13. The companion telecommunicator will play back the name the        user has recorded.    -   14. The companion telecommunicator will say: “Squeeze to keep        this sound clip”.    -   15. The user squeezes to save this name and number.

For a User to Store an Emergency Number:

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes when the companion telecommunicator says:        “Enter Number”.    -   3. The companion telecommunicator will count from zero to nine        and say: “Place Call”.    -   4. The user squeezes the companion telecommunicator when the        user hears the right digit.    -   5. The user repeats Step 4 for each digit in the number the user        wants to call.    -   6. If the user makes a mistake, the user squeezes twice. When        the companion telecommunicator says: “Erase Last Digit Entered”,        the user squeezes again.    -   7. To review the digits entered, the user squeezes the companion        telecommunicator twice. When the user hears: “Review Digits        Entered”, the user squeezes again.    -   8. Once the user has entered all the digits in the number the        user wants to call, the user squeezes twice, and when the        companion telecommunicator says: “Store Number”, the user        squeezes again.    -   9. The companion telecommunicator will ask where the user wants        to store the number: Personal Call List, Favorite Number or        Emergency Call List.    -   10. The user squeezes when the user hears the right selection.    -   11. The companion telecommunicator will repeat the number.    -   12. To record a name for the number, the user follows the        instructions to Squeeze and hold while recording, and the user        speaks to the companion telecommunicator.    -   13. The companion telecommunicator will play back the name the        user recorded.    -   14. The companion telecommunicator will say: “Squeeze to keep        this sound clip”.    -   15. The user squeezes to save this name and number.

For the User to Move from Incoming History List to Personal Call List:

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes when the companion telecommunicator says:        “Present Lists”.    -   3. The user squeezes when the companion telecommunicator says:        “Incoming History List”. The companion telecommunicator will        list the last 10 calls, starting with the most recent. The        companion telecommunicator reports the telephone number, the        date and time and whether or not the user answered the call.        Sometimes calls will come from unknown sources, and telephone        numbers will not be available to the user.    -   4. When the user hears the number the user wants to move, the        user squeezes twice.    -   5. The user squeezes again when the companion telecommunicator        says: “Move This Entry to Personal Call List”.    -   6. To record a name for the number, the user follows the        instructions to Squeeze and hold while recording, and the user        speaks to the companion telecommunicator 7.    -   7. The companion telecommunicator will play back the recorded        name.    -   8. The companion telecommunicator will say: “Squeeze to keep        this sound clip”.    -   9. The user squeezes to save the name and number.

For the User to Move from Outgoing History List to Personal Call List:

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes when the companion telecommunicator says:        “Present Lists”.    -   3. When the companion telecommunicator says: “Outgoing History        List”, the user squeezes again.    -   4. The companion telecommunicator will list the last 10 calls,        starting with the most recent. The companion telecommunicator        reports the telephone number, the date and time of the call.    -   5. When the user hears the number the user wants to move, the        user squeezes twice.    -   6. The user squeezes again when the companion telecommunicator        says; “Move this Entry to Personal Call List”.    -   7. To record a name for the number, the user follows the        instructions to Squeeze and hold while recording, and the user        speaks to the companion telecommunicator.    -   8. The companion telecommunicator will play back the recorded        name.    -   9. The companion telecommunicator will say: “Squeeze to keep        this sound clip”.    -   10. The user squeezes to save the name and number.

For the User to Modify Stored Numbers:

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes when the companion telecommunicator says:        “Present Lists”.    -   3. The user squeezes again when the companion telecommunicator        says: “Personal Call Lists”.    -   4. When the user hears the name for the number the user wants to        modify, the user squeezes twice.    -   5. The user squeezes again when the companion telecommunicator        says: “Modify”.    -   6. The user squeezes again when the companion telecommunicator        says: “Change Number”.    -   7. The companion telecommunicator will count from zero to nine        and say: “Store Number”.    -   8. The user squeezes when the companion telecommunicator says        the right digit.    -   9. The user repeats Step 8 for each digit in the number the user        wants to modify.    -   10. If the user makes a mistake, the user squeezes the companion        telecommunicator twice. When the companion telecommunicator        says: “Erase Last Digit Entered”, the user squeezes again.    -   11. To review the digits entered, the user squeezes the        companion telecommunicator twice. When the companion        telecommunicator says: “Review Digits Entered”, the user        squeezes again.    -   12. Once the user has entered all the digits in the modified        number, the user squeezes twice. When the companion        telecommunicator says: “Store Number”, the user squeezes again.    -   13. The companion telecommunicator will repeat the new number        and save it.

For the User to Modify Names for Stored Numbers:

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes when the companion telecommunicator says:        “Present Lists”.    -   3. The user squeezes again when the companion telecommunicator        says: “Personal Call list”.    -   4. When the companion telecommunicator says the name the user        wants to modify, the user squeezes twice.    -   5. The user squeezes again when the companion telecommunicator        says: “Modify”.    -   6. The user squeezes again when the user hears: “Change Name”.    -   7. To record a modified name, the user follows the instructions        to Squeeze and hold to while recording, and the user speaks to        the companion telecommunicator.    -   8. The companion telecommunicator will play back the recorded        name.    -   9. The companion telecommunicator will say: “Squeeze to keep        this sound clip”.    -   10. The user squeezes to save the new name.

For the User to Delete Stored Numbers:

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes when the companion telecommunicator says:        “Present Lists”.    -   3. The user squeezes when the companion telecommunicator says        the name of the list (Personal Call List or Emergency Call        List).    -   4. When the companion telecommunicator says the name for the        entry delete, the user squeezes twice.    -   5. The user squeezes again when the user hears: “Modify”.    -   6. The user squeezes again when the companion telecommunicator        says: “Delete Entry”.    -   7. The companion telecommunicator will say: “Entry Deleted”.

For the User to Clear the Incoming History List

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes when the user hears: “Present Lists”.    -   3. When the companion telecommunicator says: “Incoming History        List”, the user squeezes again.    -   4. The companion telecommunicator will list all the names and        numbers in the Incoming History List, then say: “Clear Incoming        History List”.    -   5. The user squeezes to clear the entire list.    -   6. To clear the list without listening to all the names and        numbers, the user squeezes and holds when the companion        telecommunicator is listing names and numbers in the Incoming        History List.    -   7. The companion telecommunicator will say: “Clearing Incoming        History List”.

For the User to Clear the Outgoing History List

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes when the user hears: “Present Lists”.    -   3. When the companion telecommunicator says: “Outgoing History        List”, the user squeezes again.    -   4. The companion telecommunicator will list all the names and        numbers in the Outgoing History List, then say: “Clear Outgoing        History List”.    -   5. The user squeezes to clear the entire list.    -   6. To clear the list without listening to all the names and        numbers, the user squeezes and holds when the companion        telecommunicator is listing names and numbers in the Outgoing        History List.    -   7. The companion telecommunicator will say: “Clearing Outgoing        History List”.

For the User to Review Stored Numbers:

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes when the user hears: “Present Lists”.    -   3. The user squeezes when the companion telecommunicator says        the right list (Personal Call List or Emergency Call List).    -   4. The user squeezes twice when the companion telecornmunicator        says the name for the number the user wants to hear.    -   5. The user squeezes again when the companion telecommunicator        says: “Hear this number”.    -   6. The companion telecommunicator will repeat the number the        user wants to hear.

For the User to Record Sound Clips during a Conversation and to help theUser to remember, the companion telecommunicator can record both sidesof the conversation.

-   -   1. During a telephone call, the user squeezes the companion        telecommunicator twice.    -   2. The user squeezes when the user hears: “Record Sound Clip”.    -   3. The user squeezes and holds to record part of the        conversation. The user lets go to stop recording.

For the User to Record Sound Clips Outside a Conversation and takingnotes of anything the User wants to remember:

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes when the user hears: “Record Sound Clip”.    -   3. The companion telecommunicator says: “Squeeze and hold while        recording”.    -   4. Once the user lets go to stop recording, the companion        telecommunicator will report time consumed and amount of memory        remaining.

For the User to Play Back Sound Clips During Conversation and sharesound clips during a conversation:

-   -   1. During a telephone call, the user squeezes the companion        telecommunicator twice.    -   2. When the companion telecommunicator says: “Play Sound Clips”,        the user squeezes again.    -   3. The companion telecommunicator will list; Recordings,        Messages, Songs, Stories and Sound Effects. The user squeezes        when the user hears the right choice.    -   4. To skip to the next sound clip, the user squeezes during or        after playback.    -   5. To delete sound clips, the user squeezes and holds during        playback.    -   6. To replay the sound clip, the user clicks twice during or        after playback.

For the user to play back sound clips (which lets the user play backrecorded reminders or details of a conversation):

-   -   1. The user places the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or        Speaking Mode.    -   2. The user squeezes when the companion telecommunicator says:        “Play Sound Clips”.    -   3. The companion telecommunicator will list: Recordings,        Messages, Songs, Stories and Sound Effects. The user squeezes        when the user hears the right choice.    -   4. The companion telecommunicator plays the first sound clip.    -   5. To skip to the next sound clip, the user squeezes during or        after playback.    -   6. To delete sound clips, the user squeezes and holds during        playback.    -   7. To replay the sound clip, the user clicks twice during or        after playback.        With optional software and subscriptions, the user can also play        back digital streams from other companion telecommunicator        communicators, or material downloaded from a personal computer        or network broadcasts.

There are two ways for the user to change volume during a conversation.During a telephone call, the user squeezes and holds the companiontelecommunicator and the volume will increase to maximum volume level,then decrease to minimum. The user lets go once the volume has reachedthe desired level. The user can also adjust the volume by squeezing thecompanion telecommunicator's ears. The user increases the volume bysqueezing the right ear, and decreases the volume by squeezing the leftear. The user lets go once the volume has reached the desired level.

The companion telecommunicator has several methods of indicating anincoming call: Caller Announce, Greeting, Tone, Melody, Vibrate. InCaller Announce mode the companion telecommunicator announces the nameof the caller if the caller is in the user's Personal Call List. If thename is not in the user's Personal Call List, the companiontelecommunicator announces the phone number calling. If telephone numberidentification is unavailable, the companion telecommunicator says:“Caller Unknown”. In Greeting mode, the companion telecommunicator says:“It's for you”. In Tone mode the companion telecommunicator rings withnormal cellular tones. In Melody mode the companion telecommunicatorgets the user's attention with a musical greeting. In Vibrate mode thecompanion telecommunicator vibrates to alert the user to an incomingcall.

The user Changes the Call Alert Selection by:

-   -   1. Placing the companion telecommunicator in Whisper or Speaking        Mode.    -   2. Squeezing when the companion telecommunicator says: “Set        Preferences”.    -   3. Squeezing again when the user hears: “Call Alert Selection”.    -   4. Squeezing again when the user hears the preferred selection.

There are two ways the user changes the call alert volume during anincoming call. While the companion telecommunicator is receiving a call,the user squeezes and holds. The volume will decrease to minimum volumelevel, then increase to maximum. The user lets go once the volume hasreached the desired level. The user can also adjust the volume bysqueezing the companion telecommunicator's ears. The user increases thevolume by squeezing the right ear, and decreases the volume by squeezingthe left ear. The user lets go once the volume has reached the desiredlevel.

The user can choose the amount of information the companiontelecommunicator will give the user during audio prompts. There are twoprompt levels: Make it Brief and Tell Me Lots. For the more experienceduser, the Make it Brief option gives the user short audio prompts. Forthe novice, the Tell Me Lots option gives the user longer, detailedaudio prompts.

The Set Level of Assistance option lets the user select the informationlevel during audio prompts. The user places the companiontelecommunicator in Whisper or Speaking Mode. The user squeezes when theuser hears: “Set Preferences”. The companion telecommunicator willreport the current prompt level. The user squeezes once to choose theother level.

The Getting Status Information option allows the user to get statusinformation about the companion telecommunicator. The user places thecompanion telecommunicator in Whisper or Speaking Mode. The usersqueezes when the user hears: “Provide Status Information”. Thecompanion telecommunicator announces the telephone number and time anddate and tells the user if the user has messages waiting, then reportscurrent battery level, signal strength, roaming status, memory availablein minutes and seconds, the current billing rate, and balance remainingon card (optional). The user squeezes to advance to the next report.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of theforegoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible inthe practice of this invention without departing from the spirit orscope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to beconstrued in accordance with the substance defined by the followingclaims.

APPENDIX A Menu Structure Single Squeeze Double Squeeze Squeeze and HoldMain Menu  Present Lists Selects Call favorite number  Enter numberSelects Call favorite number  Play sound clips Selects Call favoritenumber  Record sound clip Selects Call favorite number  Provide statusinformation Selects Call favorite number  Set preferences Selects Callfavorite number Present lists  Personal call list List options Emergency call list Selects  Incoming history list Selects  Outgoinghistory list Selects   Personal call list Selects    List numbers orname(s) List options     Modify or hear number Places a call Modify orhear number      Modify Selects      Hear this number Selects.      Modify Lists options        Change name Selects        Changenumber Selects         Change name List options          Squeeze andhold to record           Squeeze and hold while recording Records Voice           Records voice             Playback recorded voice            Squeeze to keep this sound clip Saves the sound clip        Change number Lists options         0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9Selects Erase and review         Store number Storing Erase and review         Erase and review           Erase last digit entered Erases lastdigit entered           Review digits entered Reviews digits entered        Delete this entry Deletes the entry       Hear this numberRecites the number Emergency call list Lists options  List numbers orname(s) Places a call Modify or Hear #   Modify or hear number    ModifySelects    Hear this number Selects     Modify Lists options      Changename Selects      Change number Selects              Change name ListOptions         Squeeze and hold while recording          Squeeze andhold while recording Records voice         Records voice         Playback recorded voice          Squeeze to keep this soundclip Saves the sound clip      Change number Lists options       0, 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Selects Erase and review       Store numberStoring Erase and review        Erase and review         Erase lastdigit entered Erases last digit entered         Review digits enteredReviews digits entered      Delete this entry Deletes the entry     Hearthis number Recites number Incoming history list Lists options  ListNumbers or name(s) Places a call Move this entry to personal call list clears history list  Clear Incoming history list Clears incominghistory list   Move this entry to personal call list    Squeeze and holdwhile recording     Squeeze and hold while recording      Records voice      Playback recorded voice       Squeeze to keep this sound clipSaves the sound clip Outgoing history list  List numbers or name(s)Places a call Move this entry to personal call list  clears history list Clear outgoing history list Clears outgoing history list   Move thisentry to personal call list     Squeeze and hold while recording     Squeeze and hold while recording Records voice       Playbackrecorded voice       Squeeze to keep this sound clip Saves the soundclip Enter a number Lists options  0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 SelectsStore, Erase, Review Calls entered number  Place Call Calls enterednumber Store, Erase, Review Calls entered number   Store, Erase, Review   Erase last digit entered Erases last digit entered    Store numberSelects    Review digits entered Recites digits entered     Store numberLists options      Store to personal call list Selects      Store asfavorite number Stores as favorite number      Store to emergency calllist Selects       Store to personal call list Lists options       Squeeze and hold while recording         Squeeze and hold whilerecording Records voice          Records voice           Playbackrecorded voice           Squeeze to keep this sound clip Saves the soundclip      Store to emergency call list Lists options       Squeeze andhold while recording        Squeeze and hold while recording Recordsvoice         Records voice          Playback recorded voice         Squeeze to keep this sound clip Saves the sound clip Play soundclips Lists options  Play Recordings Selects  Play Messages Selects Play Songs Selects  Tell Stories Selects  Play Sound Effects Selects  Play recordings Lists options    Plays sound clip Advances to nextReplay current playback Deletes sound clip     current sound clip   Playmessages Lists options    Plays sound clip Advances to next Replaycurrent playback Deletes sound clip     current sound clip   Play songsLists options    Plays sound clip Advances to next Replay currentplayback Deletes sound clip     current sound clip   Tell stories Listsoptions    Plays sound clip Advances to next Replay current playbackDeletes sound clip     current sound clip   Play sound effects Listsoptions    Plays sound clip Advances to next Replay curre sound clip    current sound clip Record sound clip Lists options   Squeeze andhold while recording    Squeeze and hold while recording     Recordsvoice      Playback recorded voice      Squeeze to keep this sound clipSaves the sound clip       Squeeze to keep this sound clip       Reports time consumed        Reports memory remaining forrecording Provide status information Lists options  Status Informationfor Advances to next item  (Reports telephone number)  Reports presenttime and date Advances to next item  Reports quantity of Advances tonext item  messages waiting  Reports current battery level Advances tonext item  Reports current signal strength Advances to next item Reports roaming status Advances to next item  Reports memory Availablefor Advances to next item  Recording Sound Clips  Reports currentbilling rate Advances to next item  Reports balance remaining Advancesto next item  on card (Optional) Set preferences Lists options RemovesForwards to pre-set   Set forward call number Select Removes    Forwardsto pre-set   Call alert styles Select Removes    Forwards to pre-set  Set logging of incoming history list Select Removes    Forwards topre-set   Store quick access emergency Select Removes   call accessnumber    Forwards to pre-set   Current level assistance is Changeslevel Removes    Forwards to pre-set   Store personal identificationSelect Removes   number (PIN)    Forwards to pre-set    Set forward callnumber Lists options     0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Select Removes    Forward to entered number Forwards to number Removes     Save aspre-set and forward Saves and forwards Removes     Save as pre-set Savesentered as pre-set Removes      Remove, Erase, Review       Remove callforward Removes call forward       Erase last digit entered Erases lastdigit entered       Review digits entered Recites digits entered    Callalert selection Lists options     Caller announce Selects this style    Greeting Selects this style     Tone Selects this style     MelodySelects this style     Vibrate Selects this style    Set Logging ofincoming Lists options    history list     Log unanswered calls onlySelects this style     Log answered calls only Selects this style    Log all incoming calls Selects this style     Do not log incomingcalls Selects this style Store quick access Lists options emergencynumber  0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Selects Erase  Store Number Storesnumber Erase and review     Erase last digit entered Erases last digitentered     Review digits entered Recites digits entered Menu duringconversation Lists options  Play sound clips Selects  Record sound clipSelects  DTMF Selects   Play sound clips Lists options    PlayRecordings Selects    Play Messages Selects    Play Songs Selects   Tell Stories Selects    Play Sound Effects Selects     Playrecordings Lists options      Plays sound clip Advances to next Replaysound clip       current sound clip     Play messages Lists options     Plays sound clip Advances to next Replay sound clip       currentsound clip     Play songs Lists options      Plays sound clip Advancesto next Repla: sound clip       current sound clip     Tell storiesLists options      Plays sound clip Advances to next Replay sound clip      current sound clip     Play sound effects Lists options      Playssound clip Advances to next Replay sound clip       current sound clip Record sound clip Lists options   Squeeze and hold while recording   Squeeze and hold while recording

1. An audio prompted interface device using a time domain multipleselection protocol for operating an electric product, the interfacedevice comprising: a device housing, a processor and cooperating memoryand a power supply mounted in said housing, an audio broadcaster mountedin said housing and cooperating with said processor for audiblybroadcasting outside of said housing a sequenced series of audibleprompts supplied by said processor to said audio broadcaster, an inputswitch mounted in said housing for receiving input from a user, saidinput for biasing of said input switch in response to a single prompt ofsaid series of audible prompts, a timer cooperating with said processor,said processor correlating said response to said single prompt with acorresponding single time domain within a sequential series of timedomains timed by said timer, said processor correlating said single timedomain with said single prompt and executing a single actioncorresponding to said single prompt according to an instruction set insaid memory, wherein audio data comprising said series of audibleprompts is compressed so as to increase speed of presentation of saidseries of audible prompts, and wherein said series of audible promptscomprise a sequentially audibly broadcast list of names from a list ofnames in said memory, wherein said single prompt is a single name fromsaid list and said single action corresponding to said single name is todial a telephone number, from a corresponding list of telephone numbers,corresponding to said single name.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein saiddevice is a telecommunication device, wherein said input switch is abinary state input switch for receiving binary state input to bias saidswitch between opposite binary states, wherein, if said single action isa telecommunication action, said processor executing said single actionin further cooperation with a telecommunication transceiver mounted insaid housing, and wherein said device housing has a flexible surface andsaid input receiver is mounted beneath said flexible surface.
 3. Thedevice of claim 2 wherein said device housing is a consumer electronicsproduct.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein said device housing is a plushproduct.
 5. The device of claim 2 wherein said device housing has anaudio transmitting surface and said broadcaster is mounted beneath saidaudio transmitting surface.
 6. The device of claim 4 wherein said plushproduct has at least one appendage, said at least one appendagepivotally mounted to a body of said plush product, said at least oneappendage cooperating with said processor so that a first position ofsaid at least one appendage relative to said body switches saidprocessor into a stand-by mode, and a second position of said at leastone appendage relative to said body switches said processor into anactive mode so as to trigger said series of prompts.
 7. The device ofclaim 6 wherein said at least one appendage is an opposed pair ofelongate appendages.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein said pair ofappendages pivot relative to said body between a resilient clamped,closed position wherein said appendages are adjacent, and a spreadposition wherein said pair of appendages are spaced apart.
 9. The deviceof claim 8 wherein said first position is said closed position and saidsecond position is said spread position.
 10. The device of claim 9wherein said first and second positions lie substantially in a firstplane and in a third position said pair of appendages are elevated outof said first plane, wherein in said second position said audiobroadcaster audibly transmits at a first audible volume and wherein insaid third position said audio broadcaster audibly transmits at a secondaudible volume.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein said first audiblevolume is greater than said second audible volume.
 12. The device ofclaim 11 wherein said pair of appendages are arms and when in said thirdposition the ends of said arms cup a mouth of said plush product. 13.The device of claim 12 wherein said audio broadcaster is mounted behindsaid mouth of said plush product.
 14. The device of claim 13 said endsof said arms are hands, and in said first position said hands aretogether in front of said plush product, and in said second positionsaid hands are widely spread apart.
 15. The device of claim 4 whereinsaid input switch is a push-button switch.
 16. The device of claim 1wherein said series of audible prompts are prompts in a multi-level menutree, and wherein a lack of input from a user after a pre-selectednumber of audible prompts in said series of audible prompts results in abacking up in said menu tree to prompts at higher levels in said menutree until at a top level of said menu tree said processor biases saiddevice into a standby mode.
 17. The device of claim 1 wherein said speedof presentation of said series of audible prompts is increased accordingto feedback in an adaptive feedback loop wherein said speed ofpresentation is increased until a level of mistakes made by said usermatches a threshold level at which said speed of presentation isincreased no further.
 18. The device of claim 1 wherein said inputswitch may be biased a plurality of times in rapid succession and theaction corresponding to said single action is different depending on thenumber of times said input switch is biased in said rapid succession.19. The device of claim 1 wherein said input switch is a microphonecooperating with means for detecting audible input into said microphonewithin said single time domain and for registering said audible inputinto said microphone as said input for biasing of said input switch. 20.The device of claim 1 wherein said list of names are statisticallyordered based on frequency of corresponding calls.
 21. The device ofclaim 1 wherein said list names are statistically ordered based on timeof said corresponding calls.
 22. In an audio prompted interface devicewhich includes a device housing, and mounted in said housing a processorand cooperating memory, a power supply, an audio broadcaster, an inputswitch, and a timer, a binary state time domain multiple selectionprotocol method comprising the steps of: (a) audibly broadcastingoutside of said housing from said broadcaster a sequenced series ofaudible prompts supplied by said processor to said audio broadcaster,(b) receiving input to said input switch from a user, said input biasingsaid input switch in response to a single prompt of said series ofaudible prompts, (c) timing, by said timer, a sequential series of timedomains, (d) correlating, by said processor, said response to saidsingle prompt with a corresponding single time domain within saidsequential series of time domains, (e) correlating, by said processor,said single time domain with said single prompt, and (f) executing asingle action corresponding to said single prompt according to aninstruction set in said memory, wherein said series of audible promptscomprise a sequentially audibly broadcast list of names from a list ofnames in said memory, wherein said single prompt is a single name fromsaid list and said single action corresponding to said single name is todial a telephone number, from a corresponding list of telephone numbers,corresponding to said single name.
 23. The method of claim 22 furthercomprising the step of: increasing a speed of presentation of saidseries of audible prompts according to feedback in an adaptive feedbackloop wherein said speed of presentation is increased until a level ofmistakes made by said user matches a threshold level at which said speedof presentation is increased no further.
 24. The method of claim 22further comprising the step of statistically ordering said list of namesbased on frequency of corresponding calls.
 25. The method of claim 22further comprising the step of statistically ordering said list of namesbased on time of corresponding calls.